Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, 78, has had cataract surgery on both eyes, the Royal Danish House announced on Monday, 12 November. The laser procedures were completed successfully over the past few weeks.

The Royal Danish House said, “HM The Queen has undergone laser treatment on both eyes for cataracts in recent weeks. The treatment has progressed on schedule without any adverse effects and with the desired result.”

“About 50,000 people are treated with cataracts each year, and this is the most common operation at home,” they added.

The treatment was in two parts and did not require hospitalisation. She will be required to use drops for a couple of weeks as the eyes are healing.

Cataract problems are more common in older people. The risk is higher if a person has a family history of developing the problem.

The Mayo Clinic describes it, “A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye. For people who have cataracts, seeing through cloudy lenses is a bit like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window.”

Queen Margrethe’s schedule will not be impacted by the cataract surgery. She is expected to hold an event in Gribskov today. The King Hunt will see Crown Prince Frederik participate.

The Queen of Denmark is not the only royal to undergo cataract procedures this year. Queen Elizabeth II underwent the operation earlier this year in May. A Buckingham Palace spokesman made the announcement in June when questioned by the media.

In their statement then, they announced, “I can confirm the Queen successfully underwent a short, planned procedure to treat a cataract last month.”